Shoplifter jailed for attack on Morrisons security guard in Stamford

A shoplifter who attacked a supermarket security guard who tried to stop him getting away has been jailed for seven months.

Benjamin Howes, 31, had filled a trolley with more than £250-worth of shopping at Morrisons in Uffington Road, Stamford, on September 30.

Today (Monday, November 2) Lincoln Crown Court heard that Howes had then walked out of the shop without paying for the goods in the trolley.

Raglan Ashton, prosecuting, told the court that Howes pushed the trolley away from the supermarket but was spotted and chased through the car park by a store security guard. Howes then hid in bushes and jumped out as the guard approached.

Mr Ashton told the court “There was an altercation and (the guard) tackled the defendant to the floor. He took hold of the defendant’s leg to stop him getting up.

“Howes then punched the guard a number of times to the head.”

Other security staff arrived at the scene and Howes was detained until the arrival of police.

The court was told that Howes had 23 previous convictions for offences of dishonesty.

Howes, 31, of no fixed address but formerly of Orton Goldhay, Peterborough, admitted charges of theft and common assault as a result of the incident. He was jailed for seven months.

Jack Talbot, defending, said Howes had a drug problem and urged he be given help to kick his habit.

He said “Although custody would punish him it wouldn’t go towards dealing with his entrenched drug problems.”

Judge Stuart Rafferty QC, passing sentence, told Howes “I am asked to give you yet another opportunity. You have had many before and spurned them all.

“You have never had to serve a sentence of any significance.

“I think it is time that you did and the hope is that whilst in custody you can detoxify and come out clean.”